CHAMBERSBURG, PA - After months of heated debate, school officials voted to make Wilson College fully co-ed, after nearly 150 years of an all-women's education.
The College is $31 million in debt. Officials believe that allowing men to enroll in all courses will raise enrollment and help pay off its deficit.
However, many students WHAG spoke with say they would leave Wilson College if it became co-ed, along with some alumnae who say they would stop donating money to the school.
"Wilson has been a women's college for 143 years, and it is struggling now; but this is not a reason to give up the struggle. There are a large group of energized alumnae that have a chance to help Wilson thrive, and they will do it," says Deborah Barnes, a Wilson College alumna.
Since the early 1980's, men have been allowed to enroll in the adult degree programs at Wilson College; already making up more than 10 percent of the total student body.
The College is $31 million in debt. Officials believe that allowing men to enroll in all courses will raise enrollment and help pay off its deficit.
However, many students WHAG spoke with say they would leave Wilson College if it became co-ed, along with some alumnae who say they would stop donating money to the school.
"Wilson has been a women's college for 143 years, and it is struggling now; but this is not a reason to give up the struggle. There are a large group of energized alumnae that have a chance to help Wilson thrive, and they will do it," says Deborah Barnes, a Wilson College alumna.
Since the early 1980's, men have been allowed to enroll in the adult degree programs at Wilson College; already making up more than 10 percent of the total student body.
